Working with lighting maintenance contractors
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Lighting maintenance contractors can be appointed to keep light fittings clean and change lamps regularly. Proper lighting maintenance also means that the correct lamps will continue to be used throughout the building’s lifetime.
In new buildings, proper maintenance can ensure that lighting satisfies the intention of the lighting designer. When properly executed, lighting maintenance measures in existing buildings can contribute to energy savings and more approriate light levels.
[edit] Relamping and cleaning
Lighting contractors should be required to provide planned maintenance. This establishes a framework for an effective maintenance programme, including regular relamping, cleaning and disposal.
By replacing lamps as their light output (but not their energy consumption) begins to decline, rather than waiting for them to fail, the lighting system should produce better average illuminance. This means that fewer lamps and fixtures are needed to maintain proper working conditions.
One approach to relamping is group relamping. This means changing all of the lamps at the same time on a scheduled basis. This practice consolidates labour and resources that would otherwise be required each time an individual lamp needed to be replaced.
Group relamping may be more cost effective when labour expenses are high and lamp costs are low. Cleaning can also be included during a group relamping, as labour will already be allocated.
Lighting maintenance contractors should be prepared to handle the proper disposal of materials. This should include recycling if possible.
[edit] Coordination between maintenance contractors and lighting designers
The installation of long life light sources will be important for lighting maintenance contractors when lights are installed in hard to reach locations. Lighting should also have accessible features and minimal components that can be easily removed for servicing. Maintenance will be more efficient when the number of lamp types in a building is minimised.
To assist with the maintenance process, lighting designers should be asked to provide a written maintenance policy, including recommended maintenance procedures and equipment replacement schedules. The design should reflect the intended level of maintenance to produce the correct light levels.
Contractors may be able to maintain lighting systems adequately, but this cannot prevent systems from becoming inefficient when modifications to a space create lighting conditions that are no longer suitable for the activities being performed. Lighting designers should be informed of significant changes made to the allocation of space within the building, and systems should be adjusted accordingly - both to maximise employee productivity levels and minimise wasted energy caused by misdirected lighting.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.